10 Tips to Minimize Your Travel Expenses When Abroad

Everyone looks forward to holidays as they offer a much-needed break from our daily routine and worries, but traveling can be costly if not planned ahead. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce your travel expenses without compromising your experience. Check out our guide for tips on how to save money on your next trip!

Here is a 10-point guide to help you get rid of unnecessary costs:

1. Be flexible Another tip to minimize your travel expenses is to be flexible. If you're traveling with family or friends, unexpected events can result in costly changes to your reservations. To avoid this, consider taking indirect flights or traveling during off-peak days, such as weekdays instead of weekends. This simple change can save you hundreds of dollars per person.
   
   Additionally, use price comparison websites to find the best rates on flights, accommodations, and activities. This can help you find the best deals and save money on your trip.
2. Travel out of season Traveling out of season can also significantly reduce your expenses. Popular European destinations, such as London, Paris, Rome, Venice, or Berlin, can be extremely costly during the summer months, when prices are inflated due to the European school holidays between June and August. Similarly, the high season in Australia is between November and April.
   
   To save money, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which is the period between high and low seasons. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you'll also be able to take advantage of lower prices for flights, accommodations, and activities. Before booking your trip, research the high seasons of your desired destinations and plan accordingly.
3. Travel at night If you're a heavy sleeper and don't mind spending the night on a plane or train, this can be a great option. Not only are night tickets usually cheaper, but you'll also save on accommodation costs for two nights.
   
   In addition to saving money, some night trains and buses offer more spacious and comfortable seating, allowing you to rest and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Be sure to check schedules and availability before booking and consider this cost-saving option for your next trip.
4. Take your food with you It can be tempting to grab something from a cafeteria or restaurant while waiting at the airport or train station, but food and beverages there are often exorbitantly expensive.
   
   Instead, plan ahead and bring your own snacks and meals for the journey. This not only saves you money, but it also ensures that you have healthy options and can accommodate any dietary restrictions. You can also stock up on snacks and drinks from local grocery stores once you arrive at your destination.
5. Avoid exchange offices To save money on travel expenses is to avoid exchanging currency at local exchange offices. These offices often have unfavorable exchange rates and can end up costing you more money than necessary.
   
   Instead, consider using an ATM or currency exchange vending machine, which often have more competitive rates. Just make sure to check the exchange rate and any associated fees before using them. It's also a good idea to have some cash on hand when you arrive at your destination to pay for necessities like accommodation or transportation, but be sure to keep it in a secure location.
6. Take a travel credit card Using a travel credit card can be a great way to save money on travel expenses. Many travel credit cards offer benefits such as preferred seating on planes, discounts on travel purchases, and reward points that can be redeemed for free flights or other travel-related perks.
   
   Before choosing a travel credit card, make sure to research the various options available and compare the rewards, fees, and interest rates. Some travel credit cards may also offer travel insurance, which can provide added peace of mind while traveling. Just be sure to use your travel credit card responsibly and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest charges.
7. Book in off-channel hotels Large chain hotels can be up to 50% more expensive simply because of their brand name. Instead, consider staying at a local hotel that offers the same standards of comfort and cleanliness, but at a more affordable price.
   
   When searching for a hotel, don't just rely on the star rating system. Look at reviews from other travelers to get a better sense of the hotel's value for money, comfort level, and cleanliness. You may find that a highly-rated, locally-owned hotel provides a more authentic and enjoyable experience than a large chain hotel.
8. Avoid hotel breakfast If your accommodation doesn't include breakfast, consider skipping the hotel breakfast and finding a local bakery or café instead. Hotel breakfasts can be expensive, with some continental breakfasts in Europe costing up to $50 per person. By heading to a local bakery or café, you can save money and often have a more authentic experience.
   
   Not only will you save money, but you may also get to try some delicious local pastries or specialties that you wouldn't find at a hotel breakfast.
9. Find good deals on the internet To save money on your travels, make sure to look for deals and discounts on the internet. There are many websites and apps that offer cash-back, coupons, and other promotions that can help you save on flights, accommodations, and activities. These websites have become more prevalent in recent years, which means that there are more deals available than ever before.
   
   Make sure to do your research and compare prices before making any purchases. It's also a good idea to sign up for email newsletters from travel companies and airlines, as they often offer exclusive deals and promotions to their subscribers.
10. Avoid roaming charges Going far while staying connected is no longer difficult and expensive these days. Public WiFi connections can be slow, unstable, and even unsafe at times, and roaming charges for data usage can be costly. Instead, consider renting a portable WiFi hotspot, also known as a WiFi Pocket, before your trip. Our device is small enough to fit in your pocket and allow you to connect up to five devices to a high-speed 4G LTE mobile connection, ensuring that you stay connected without breaking the bank.
    
    Renting a portable WiFi hotspot can definitely be more affordable than using your mobile data plan for international travel, especially if you're planning on using a lot of data. With a portable “Unnifi” WiFi hotspot, you can enjoy fast and reliable internet without having to worry about expensive roaming charges or overage fees. Plus, you can connect multiple devices to the same hotspot, which makes it perfect for traveling with family or friends. Overall, renting our portable Unnifi WiFi hotspot is a smart way to stay connected while saving money on your travel expenses.